By Sophie Jaggers
Posted to ABC News, 05/08/24 – 8:59am (Updated 05/08/24 – 11:57am)
Independent MP David O’Byrne is proposing a change to Tasmania’s family violence laws to include harming, or threatening to harm, animals as a form of family violence.
Support services say instances of threats to harm pets are “incredibly common” in abusive relationships.
Mr O’Byrne plans to table his proposal in state parliament this week, with the government saying it is willing to “consider” the legislation and let parliament decide.